The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Nutcracker
Book Review: Simple, well-written, uncomplicated, elegant version
Summary: 5 Stars
After sitting down at a local bookstore and comparing about a dozen different versions of the Nutcracker, I chose this book as being the most appropriate for my 3 year old daughter. It is simple, well-written, uncomplicated, elegant, and yes, my daughter loved it. To this day, it is her favorite book.Book Review: The perfect version for young children!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had recently bought tickets for my 5 year old son and me to attend our town's local "Nutcracker" performance, and thought that it would be even more enjoyable for him if he knew the story-line. So, I ventured into my local bookstore to search amongst the various "Nutcracker" books. Maurice Sendak's illustrated version had always been a favorite of mine growing up, but I knew that it would be a bit too long and complicated for my objective. Finally, I discovered Susan Jeffers' book, and was immediately struck by the gorgeous illustration of Marie (Clara) holding her beloved Nutcracker on the cover. As I opened the book and turned the pages, I knew I had found "the one." The story is simple and well-written, with no more than a paragraph per page (or two). It also follows the "Nutcracker" ballet adventure, which is perfect for little ones who have seen or will see it performed on stage. Above all, the illustrations are purely breathtaking! It is a pleasure to view each page! My son and I saw the ballet yesterday, and I truly feel that he was more engaged because he was familiar with this wonderful tale! Not to mention, Susan Jeffers' "Nutcracker" has been our favorite read for the past several nights! I definitely recommend this book if you have children ages 3-12, and especially if you will be attending the ballet!Book Review: Lovely but not perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
The illustrations are lovely, but the story has been slightly oversimplified. It is also confusing that the little girl is called Marie instead of Clara. I am still looking for the perfect Nutcracker book...Book Review: The best Nutcracker book for young children
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this book for my then 18 month old daughter last Christmas (because I love ballet and hope she will too). This turned out to be the best purchase I have ever made for her. The book accurately follows the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The text is just short enough to keep a little ones attention and long enough to tell the whole story. The pictures are beautifully detailed and allow the reader to see something new with each reading, something that little children love. The pictures are definitely not gory or gruesome (the toy soldiers cannons are shooting candy!), nor is the text describing the action. There is really only one two-page spread that shows the battle with actual "fighting" (which is only two mice each running off with a toy soldier and the candy are being fired from the cannon). The next spread is prodimately Marie throwing her slipper at the mouse king (my daughter's favorite picture). The next picture shows the mice dragging their dead or injured (the text doesn't say and the picture isn't obvious) king under the tree as Marie grabs the nutcracker-turned-prince's hands.
The only negative thing about the book, for me, is that the dance of the sweets are all lumped together on one spread. As I was reading it I became excited to see what the pictures of the sweets would look like, but was disappointed to see that they were all together and in the distance, so there was little detailed. I had high hopes, so I was disappointed, but it doesn't take away from the overall book. And my daughter loved this book from the first read through and still does. As a result of her absolute love for this book, I purchased the DVD of the New York City Ballet's performance of it, which she also loves.
This is a wonderful book on its own, but it would be a particularly terrific introduction to ballet in general or just the Nutcracker. I highly recommend it!
Book Review: Beautifully illustrated fable
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book (along with a music CD) to introduce my twins to the story of the Nutcracker before taking them to the ballet. The author does a wonderful job of distilling the essential elements of this story. The seven headed mouse king is pretty creepy, indeed, but he's also somehow less scary because he is so clearly a fantasy. The story is captivating and the underlying message is that true love overlooks flaws (the main character loves the nutcracker even though he's "ugly"). Marie also is not entirely a damsel-in-distress - she saves the nutcracker with her bravery, in fact - which is refreshing. The illustrations are really wonderful, starting with the opening scene which shows a cut-away view of the house, with details to discover in each room. Keeps adults and children engaged. Glad we bought this one in hardcover, it's a keeper. PS although this story has a very loose Christmas theme, it is very subtle - there's a Christmas tree but the focus is not on the holiday other than a sense of magic and wonder.